Despite a recent arrest for marijuana possession, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick figures to be one of the first corners off the board in the 2012 draft. Kirkpatrick was a major component of the Crimson Tide defense that absolutely shut down LSU in the National Championship Game and he has been for the past couple seasons.

Kirkpatrick is far from a sure bet to excel at the next level, but he certainly has the potential to be a shut-down corner in the mold of the New York Jets' Darrelle Revis.

With the passing game of such importance in the NFL today, cornerbacks are quickly becoming the cornerstones of many defenses.

One team who desperately needs an elite corner is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ronde Barber can still be effective, but Tampa's secondary as a whole was absolutely atrocious this past season. Kirkpatrick has the ability to make the unit instantly better and I believe he will if given the chance.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin may not exactly be Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan's prototypical quarterback, but the Heisman Trophy winner is a supreme talent with the potential to be great.

Perhaps no player in the 2012 NFL Draft has more impressive physical ability than Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The well-built Blackmon is coming off two consecutive Biletnikoff Awards and is unquestionably the top receiver available.

It used to be true that rookie receivers were unlikely to make much of an impact, but over the past several seasons things have changed drastically. With such an emphasis on passing, rookie pass-catchers have become more involved at an early age.

A perfect example this past season was the Cincinnati Bengals' A.J. Green, who easily transitioned from college to No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

If he lasts until the seventh pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be hoping that Blackmon can make an immediate impact like Green. Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert had a rough season for the Jags in 2011, but a lot of that probably stemmed from the fact that he had no weapons to count on.

It stands to reason that Blackmon would be his favorite target from day one.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Panthers have been without a viable option at defensive tackle since the now-retired Kris Jenkins departed for the New York Jets. Still finally gives them a playmaker in the middle.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

The Dolphins have needs on both sides of the ball, but they could use a complementary pass-rusher across from Cameron Wake. Upshaw was the best pass-rusher on the best defense in college football.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Bills allowed the fewest sacks in the league this season, but most of that was due to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick getting rid of the ball. Reiff will give Fitz much more time in the pocket.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Nick Perry, DE, USC

It may seem like a reach, but Perry has been flying up draft boards as the Senior Bowl and NFL combine approach. He would be a great fit on a Seattle team that struggles sacking the quarterback.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Chiefs drafted offensive tackle Branden Albert in the first round a few years back, and he hasn't worked out. Martin has much less bust potential, though, and should be a fine pick.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Arizona had a lot of trouble getting to the quarterback this past season, especially with Joey Porter in sharp decline. That makes Ingram a smart pick at this juncture.

There are no sure things in the NFL Draft, but I tend to say that the closest thing in this year's draft is Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. At the collegiate level, Kuechly was an absolute tackling machine who put in an honest effort in every game.

Because of that, he was honored with essentially every meaningful defensive award this past season.

Kuechly may not be the best or most explosive athlete in the draft, but he has an unmatched will to succeed that will make him the cornerstone of a defense at the NFL level. Even if he doesn't have the same physical ability as a middle linebacker like Brian Urlacher or Patrick Willis, I can easily see him topping the league in tackles on a yearly basis.

The Dallas Cowboys would be a perfect fit at No. 14 as Keith Brooking and Bradie James are both getting up there in age and may not have many great years left in the tank—Brooking especially.

Kuechly would be a starter with the Cowboys from the get-go and there is little doubt that he would make their defense better right away.

Cleveland has been a mess on offense for several years, but after taking Trent Richardson early in the draft, Jeffery would give them yet another weapon to help quarterback Colt McCoy.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Lions' biggest issue may be their secondary, but their offensive line isn't far behind. Jeff Backus is getting old and Gosder Cherilus is nothing special, so Adams could start immediately.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was beaten and battered relentlessly this season, so the Steelers need to address their offensive line issues. Glenn will provide a solid, steady presence.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The Broncos have one of the best pass-rush pairings in football in Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, but they need some more help from the defensive line. Worthy is an excellent start.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Houston orchestrated one of the finest year-to-year defensive turnarounds in recent memory this season. The final piece of the puzzle is a playmaking safety, and Barron is just that.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Quarterback Tom Brady has an embarrassment of offensive weapons, but he could use an outside threat at wide receiver. Sanu could eventually replace Deion Branch in that role.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Despite their defensive shortcomings, the Packers have no glaring needs. Since they can afford to take a luxury player, I see Green Bay adding Polk to a running-back stable that already includes Ryan Grant and James Starks.

29. New York Giants (9-7): Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

The Giants defense was ravaged with injuries this season, especially at linebacker. Brown would give the G-Men excellent depth and would likely receive significant playing time immediately.

At which position is it easiest to make an instant impact?

CornerbackWide receiverLinebackerSubmit Votevote to see results

At which position is it easiest to make an instant impact?

Cornerback

13.2%

Wide receiver

58.8%

Linebacker

27.9%

Total votes: 68

30. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Ravens have a great defense year in and year out because they are able to continually bring in new blood. Hightower could start alongside Ray Lewis next season and be his eventual replacement.

It appears as though the 49ers have pretty much everything in place on both sides of the ball, but they could use a deep threat for quarterback Alex Smith. Wright might be the best one in the draft.

32. New England Patriots (13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Patriots secondary has been a mess all season long and while there is some talent, they need to add more. Jenkins could have been a higher pick if not for character issues, but the Pats would love him here.